Damping forces of Bilstein valvings for
Off-Road are measured in Newtons at a velocity of 0.52 meters/seconds (approximately
20 inches/second). The ratings shown correspond to those measurements;
rebound force is the first number, followed by compression force (rebound
/ compression). Conventionally, the ratings are written as one tenth
the damping force in Newtons.

EXAMPLE:

Valve rating: 275 / 78

Rebound force is 2750 Newtons at 0.52
m/s

Compression force is 780 Newtons at
0.52 m/s

Higher numbers mean higher (firmer) damping
forces. For example, 360/80 has more control (is firmer) that 275/78,
while 170/60 has less control (is softer) than 275/78.

For valving recommendations please
refer to the Valving Guide.

Determining how many
shocks to put on a vehicle.

A shock absorber transforms mechanical
energy (suspension movement) into kinetic energy (heat). If a shock absorber
builds up too much heat, it will not function properly. Shock absorbers
exposed to excessive heat will fade (soften) or fail.

If you are experiencing
excessive shock failure or fading, it may be time to add another shock.

By adding another shock, you are spreading
the work load from one shock to multiple shocks. Increased cooling capability
will be achieved from the following factors:

Decreased Friction

Dampening causes friction. When you use
a multiple shock set up, lighter valved shocks can be used which will decrease
friction.

Increased Oil Capacity

The more oil, the better. Higher oil volumes
take longer to heat.

Other methods to consider which will increase
oil capacity are to utilize a remote reservoir or to use a larger diameter
shock.

Determining Which Shocks
to Use

Bilstein Off-Road Shock Absorbers are
recommended for both race and non-race applications as listed below.

Special Note: Vehicle
designs do vary. This is a starting guide to assist you in choosing an
application.

Valving

Description

Setting

Position

150/50

170/60

180/75

255/70

275/78

360/80

Buggy

Single Shock

Front

1X

Rear

1X

Double Shock

Front

Rear

2X

Baja Bug

Sport

Front

1X

Rear

1X

Double Shock

Front

Rear

2X

5/1600 Baja

Race Setting

Front

1X

Rear

2X

1/2 1600

Race Setting

Front

1X

Rear

3X

Valving

Description

Setting

Position

150/50

170/60

180/75

255/70

275/78

360/80

Fullsize Truck /

Single Shock

Front

1X

Sport Utility

Rear

1X

w/ Solid Front

Double Shock

Front

2X

Axle

Rear

2X

Race Setting

Front

2X

Rear

2X

Fullsize Truck /

Single Shock

Front

(Recommend Special Order Valving - 326/149 Digressive)

Sport Utility

Rear

1X

w/ IFS

Double Shock

Front

2X

Rear

2X

Race Setting

Front

2X

Rear

2X

Rear

3X

Valving

Description

Setting

Position

150/50

170/60

180/75

255/70

275/78

360/80

Mini-Truck /

Single Shock

Front

1X

Sport Utility

Rear

1X

w/ Solid Front

Double Shock

Front

2X

Axle

Rear

2X

Race Setting

Front

2X

Rear

2X

Mini-Truck /

Single Shock

Front

1X

Sport Utility

Rear

1X

w/ IFS

Double Shock

Front

2X

Rear

2X

Race Setting

Front

2X

Rear

2X

Rear

3X

Valving

Description

Setting

Position

150/50

170/60

180/75

255/70

275/78

360/80

RockCrawler/Jeep

Single Shock

Front

1X

Leaf Spring

Rear

1X

RockCrawler/Jeep

Single Shock

Front

1X

Coil Spring / 1/4 Elliptic

Rear

1X

TJ Long Arm

Single Shock

Front

(Recommend Special Order Valving - 161/72 Digressive)

Valving

Rear

(Recommend Special Order Valving - 162/66 Digressive)

Legend1X = one shock per
wheel 2X = two shocks per wheel 3X = three shocks
per wheel